Father receives life sentence for murdering his three young sons in Ohio residence

A man in Ohio has been given a life sentence without the chance of parole for killing his three young sons at their home last year. Chad Doerman, 33, received the sentence after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated murder and two counts of felonious assault for injuring his former wife and stepdaughter. The tragic incident took place on June 15, 2023, in Monroe Township, approximately 75 miles west of Columbus.

Initially facing the death penalty, Doerman was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in prison. Prosecutor Mark Tekulve changed his stance on seeking the death penalty, considering the ongoing trauma experienced by the surviving family members. Doerman admitted to planning the killings and pursuing one of his sons in a field after the child attempted to escape, according to prosecutors.

Laura Doerman, the children’s mother, expressed deep sorrow during the court proceedings, stating that her life had been shattered. She emphasized that the grief of losing her children would never fade. After the sentencing, she acknowledged that while no punishment could bring her sons back, knowing that the perpetrator would spend life behind bars was the best outcome for her family.

In a statement released after the court judgment, Laura Doerman supported the resolution of the case and requested privacy for her grieving family. She expressed gratitude towards prosecutors and first responders, underscoring the daily heartache endured by her and her family. Despite the tragedy, she urged people to remember her sons for the joyful and active boys they were, participating in activities like fishing, go-carting, and enjoying time outdoors together.